wpd and Nordex signing contract for the construction of GermanyÂ´s first
commercial offshore wind farm

05.12.2007 – 11:31

52.5 MW Â“Baltic IÂ” wind farm to go into operation in 2009

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innovations

Norderstedt (euro adhoc) - The first commercial offshore wind farm in
Germany is to go into operation in 2009. Planning and operating
company wpd and wind turbine manufacturer Nordex have signed an
agreement for the delivery of 21 N90/2500 kW turbines. The first
turbines in the "Baltic I" project are scheduled for installation in
May 2009.

The site is located roughly 13 kilometers to the North of the
peninsular of DarĂź, where the Baltic Sea has a depth of 15 to 19
meters. The turbines will be placed on monopiles to be produced by
special subcontractors retained by wpd. Nordex will be responsible
for the proper assembly of the wind power systems on these bases as
well as the ensuing service.

"We have developed the Baltic I project in an intensive process in
conjunction with partners. Thanks also to the support of the state
government of Mecklenburg-West Pomerania we have finally been able to
secure this crucial pilot project. For this reason, I am particularly
pleased that the Nordex turbines are being assembled in Rostock. The
basis for construction is formed by the underlying political plans to
adjust remuneration in the light of international standards,"
explains Dr. Gernot Blanke, a member of wpd AGÂ´s management board.
The construction permit required for the project was issued in April
2006.

"This project underscores the outstanding position which Nordex holds
as a manufacturer of wind power systems and the potency of its centre
of competence for offshore technology in Rostock. Nordex and the city
of Rostock will continue to benefit substantially from this global
growth market," said Dr. Otto Ebnet, Minister of Transportation,
Construction and State Development.

The N90/2500 series is also in operation at around 500 sites around
the world. Accordingly, wpd has opted for a proven multi-megawatt
system which was first assembled at sea in 2003. This was followed by
a further test system which Nordex assembled off the coast near
Rostock at the beginning of last year. "With the Baltic I project, we
are able to gain further crucial experience to prepare for offshore
business, which will stand us in good stead once this market starts
growing in importance in a few yearsÂ´ time. What is more, this
partnership venture confirms our strategies of deploying proven
series technology going offshore. We do not want to take any
unnecessary risks in offshore projects," explains Thomas Richterich,
CEO of Nordex AG.